The Virtual Foundation thanks the donors - The First Parish at Lincoln, Massachusetts, and Paula Johnson of Massachusetts - for supporting the Potpourri project.



Final Report, Potpourri project in Honduras ``Wildflowers`` - Flowers and Employment for Single Mothers - PROYECTO DE POTPOURRI "FLORES DEL CAMPO"

Organization supervising this project: A-METAS
Address: EDIFICIO COPEMH, QUINTO PISO, BOULEVARD MIRAFLORES, TEGUCIGALPA; HONDURAS
Date of the report: March 2002

CONCLUSIONS

Context:
This project’s goal was to help single mothers to make and sell potpourri with wild flowers from their region. A-METAS’s role was to assist in the set-up of this micro-business structure, and to help in the production and marketing of the product. (A-METAS’ mission is to assist in the organization, strengthening and marketing of rural micro-businesses in Honduras.)

Number of participants: Originally, 11 single mothers who were interested in participating in the micro-enterprise showed up for the first meeting. Four of them stayed with the project, and are now working to develop the potpourri business further.

Progress of the Potpourri project

I.- MARKET STUDY
In early 2001, A-METAS conducted a potpourri market study, in a souvenir shop in Tegucigalpa as well as in an exhibition room in A-METAS’ offices. Several interesting new ideas came out of this study, and were acted on. The study also found that the organization’s logo was considered very attractive, so it was not changed.
II.- PURCHASE OF MATERIAL AND POTPOURRI PRODUCTION

III.- RESULTS OF THE PROJECT
ACTIVITY INVESTMENT (US$)
Basic material (oils, labels, flowers, bags) 350.00
Human labor (First 3 months) 150.00
Distribution Costs 150.00
Promotion 150.00
TOTAL investment 800.00
TOTAL of sales: US $1,200.00 (with the current production process).

IV.- FUTURE OF THE PROJECT

V.- A-METAS CONTRIBUTION DURING THE PROCESS:
A-METAS and the women working on the Potpourri project thank the donors and the Virtual Foundation for supporting them. Look for their products soon, on the Honduran Artisan Network Internet catalogue. - Catherine Gauthier, Latin American Advisor to the Virtual Foundation